External Validation vs. Internal Fulfillment
Clueless Hack on Writing (CHOW) on the definitions of success
This is a continuation of last week’s Fridge Philosophy on Greatness is Working in the Dark. It came to me after I posted and exchanged comments from
on the post.External Validation vs. Internal Fulfillment
I think it’s best to forge a description through two authors: Sam and Pat, two indie writers who are in the first years of their writing careers. Both put out debut novels that were well received. They are finishing their second, and have began a Substack newsletter to help promote their writing.
Sam goes all in on social media, and Substack. Sam lives for the external feedback. He engages. Each time the little bell indicates reactions to his post, he gets an extra charge. It motivates him so much that he creates his content to ride that dopamine wave. As a result of his work, he’s selling books. He’s gaining followers. He’s increasing his Substack followers. He meets his fans’ expectations, though sometimes he wonders why he writes.
Pat knows that self-promotion is needed to sell the book. Pat writes a newsletter but uses it to fuel the creative engines welling inside. Pat researches ways to market the book that mirrors similar titles. Some work, most don’t. Pat jumps on social media, but only to inform of events and news to sell the book.
Sam’s identity as a writer is tied to the brand that’s been cultivated. Pat loves the process and writes in service to the process. Pat enjoys the words that flow out of the mind and onto the page. It may never reach market. It may fail commercially. But Pat doesn’t care. Pat likes to write and she’s fulfilled.
So, who’s writing journey would you rather have? Sam or Pat?
Granted, this is a binary choice. Most success is finding a balance of both. You want the tools of marketing to service the creativity, not the other way around. You also take direction from what people like most about your writing and your “brand.” You may find yourself where I am, constantly trying to understand both worlds and not sure of the next step.
Currently, I’m more like Pat. I do what I enjoy. This is a creative outlet. I enjoy learning more about writing, creating, and bringing my stories to people. Yes, I’m a hobbyist and not looking to make a living like so many creative heroes are.
But I look at Sam’s situation and I admit that looks good too. Book sales and more subscriptions mean that people like my books, right? I’m monetizing. My promotions are leading directly to sales. People like me…
But wait… Why do we write? Do we write because it fills us with fulfillment and joy that is unique to us? Do we write because it makes us money and brings us more notoriety? I have to be honest, when people say that admire me because of the books I’ve written, it feels good. But when I’m sitting here on this computer trying to fill this plot hole I’ve created, I can’t rely on that praise. I can only draw from the well of fulfillment the process brings me in order to stare down the tough times.
Cultivating fulfillment and joy goes beyond my own writing journey. It extends to all of us. Does leadership (in your community, church, work) provide you fulfillment? Or do you like the power, the praise, and the money? Do you entertain because expressing the love for your friends manifests in having them over? Or because you like to have people thank you for inviting them and commenting on your home?
Whatever is our passion, we need to lean into what brings us that internal fulfillment. External validation is a sexy siren, but it can warp our values and create resentment in our process. Where do you land?
Side of Mustard
My next couple of projects have me very excited. In fact, when I break down the timing of them all, I’ll be busy with these projects heading into the next decade. Granted, this is tentative. Many things can happen to short circuit these projects. Or new projects may come up. But for now, this is a tentative timeline of things to come:
2025
Sacramento Noir - A 12-part crime fiction serial featuring newspaper reporter Alex Shelby in 2004. (Substack)
Fridge Philosophy - Daily affirmation book providing an inspiring quote and my reflections. (Publish)
2026
Unnamed Project - An 36-part anthology of stories centered around a book. (Substack)
2027
Space Between - A compilation of my Substack short stories in a book (Publish)
2028
Landslide - A novel featuring cranky columnist Alex Shelby and how he loses everything only to find gratitude. (Publish)
2029
Unnamed Project published in book form (Publish)
Lots of writing ahead. Appreciate you joining me on this journey.